By nature we cannot bear the thought that they have got away with what they have done; it seems so unfair. Therefore we want vengeance – namely, their just punishment. The fear that they won’t get punished is the opposite of perfect love. This is why John said: ‘There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man who fears is not made perfect in love’ (1 John 4:18).
